Category: Health Matters!

“The act of shaving a double coat removes the dog’s natural insulation and causes his system to kick into high gear. He’ll now produce coat to protect himself from extreme temperatures, sunburn and sharp objects.

“ …….. if your sole motivation for shaving your dog in the spring is to “keep him cool,” you need to know that you’re actually creating a far worse situation than you think.
Aside from destroying coat integrity, shaved dogs are susceptible to a multitude of complications, including, but not limited to, alopecia, heat stroke and skin cancer, specifically Solar-induced Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Dermal Hemangiosarcomas.
Sometimes, these complications are not reversible.” – Poppy’s Pet Parlour

Another interesting article is found on the Family Pet site, titled “Truths and Myths about shaving dogs with double coats”- “Don’t worry; it’ll grow back” or “Double coated dogs need to be shaved in order to keep them cool in summer”

I’ve seen and continue to see, some very interesting posts and photos, regarding the ‘shaving’ of scottie coats. And as usual there are two sides to every argument, so if you are heading off to the groomers this weekend with your scottie for a ‘short back and sides’ please read up on some of these articles. If you remain concerned about keeping your scottie cool, then clip/shave the stomach area which will keep him cool when he lays down, or get him a shallow kiddies paddling pool, so that he can keep his paws cool as its through the paws that they also sweat.

My two 14 month old scotties, Tayler and Sparta, are due their first annual ‘boosters’ this month (October 2016) and it worries me significantly as we’ve been put on the Lepto-4 protocol. The adverse publicity surrounding this ‘new’ vaccine, is not only causing me concerns, but many others have voiced their anxiety too.

Annual boosters and vaccinations constantly appear on Facebook pages and groups and any decision is a worry. Although I’ve added in links here to the newspaper articles published in July 2016, they unfortunately still leave me in the dark as to what is the right and proper decision to take to safeguard my “highly at risk of Vaccinosis” pets.

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Finlay thanks you visiting us

If you have or are experiencing similar health issues with your Scottie, please make sure you visit your own Vet. However we hope you will feel able to share this with us as it may help other Scottie Owners. Thank you for "Making a Difference for Scotties".